Depicting slavery has never been a straightforward proposition. Racism, unbridled capitalism, parochial politics, colonialism, and war all curdle into the explanation (to which I would add the transcendent notion of 'evil'). Here is an assessment of how two exhibitions treat the subject in different ways, and what is lost sight of in the process. https://lnkd.in/g4EFCrNk
Fascinating! University taught me history is always more violent than imagined, and is a historical construct. Thankfully slavery has been abolished, as I dont like the energy of slave labour hence buy gifts from trade aid store.
Paul Moon thanks for posting. An interesting read. I remember Roshan Allpress responding to someone criticising colonialism. It was after a fascinating talk he gave about his PhD thesis which looked at how New Zealand was established as a 'social enterprise' following on from Sierra Leone - please correct me Roshan if I have got that wrong. His response was along the lines that historians today hope that historians in the future will look upon our actions generously. This habit of unleashing unbridled judgement on our predecessors is very unattractive and reminds me of the command in Mt 7v5.
And yet none of the "West African Squadron" ?
Thanks for this very worthwhile reading…
Professor Emeritus of Law
8moDon't forget morality and religion. Up until about the 17 to 18 century it was generally believed slaves, were who they were, because of the natural order or God's will. The questioning of that after the 17 to 18 century laid the seeds for its demise. And don't forget lots of slaves were not only black. If you question what I say just ask yourself why you regard being New Zealander as something which sets you apart from say a Russian a Chinese or an American. We believe in a different set of loyalties based upon nationality and I am hoping that will disappear in the future, just like slavery.